Video revolution: 5by debuts its super-powered, personalized video apps

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 23, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Today 5by, a free video recommendation app acquired by StumbleUpon in September 2013, debuted in the App Store and on Google Play (beta). 5by is a personal video concierge and the simplest, fastest and best way to find, watch and share videos. Users quickly input their moods and interests and 5by creates a personalized video playlist from its index of millions of online videos. With 5by, it's possible to never search for videos again – content recommendations are customized to peoples' tastes as they watch and rate videos.

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"Mobile video is exploding and 5by is an experience unlike anything else available," said Greg Isenberg, Founder and CEO of 5by. "There is an overwhelming amount of content out there and it's scattered across apps and the web. 5by was designed to be fun, completely personalized and to eliminate the hassle of always looking for your next clip. We designed the apps for users to easily lean back and enjoy."

The average 5by session lasts more than 14 minutes and growing, and video content is keeping pace with demand. Approximately 100 hours of video are uploaded to YouTube every minute and according to the Cisco Visual Networking Index, video consumption currently comprises more than 50 percent of all mobile activity and is expected to climb to 66 percent by 2016.

"Our enthusiasm for StumbleUpon and 5by reflects the continued demand and growth opportunities for companies pioneering solutions to discover and personalize access to all kinds of content," said Sameer Gandhi, Partner at Accel Partners and StumbleUpon Board Member. "5by is an exciting new offering from StumbleUpon for the mobile video market, and it is well-positioned to be the leader in video content curation."

5by relies on a custom-built curation algorithm to deliver the perfect video playlist based on time of day, amount of time available to watch, and interest and mood. Videos are generally tailored toward moments of downtime or levity including between meetings or class, on the dreaded commute or even spending time on the toilet. Users can then choose interest categories to make them laugh, learn something new or get inspired. After selecting an interest, 5by presents subcategories around each topic. For example, the "Making You Laugh" category offers choices such as comedy skits, pranks, bloopers, stand-up and more. Selecting a subcategory launches a personalized video playlist, where users can swipe through videos, share with friends, like their favorites and add time-based comments to the community. 5by is also working with top publishers, creators and brands to build in-product experiences.

Now under StumbleUpon ownership, 5by will continue to operate independently led by CEO Greg Isenberg. 5by was pre-launched in Canada, and is currently rated 5 stars and featured in the Canadian App Store. Users in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa, India, Australia and New Zealand can download the app at the App Store and Google Play (beta) and start their personalized video journey today.

About 5by
5by is the simplest and fastest way to find, watch and share the best videos from across the web. With 5by, it's possible to never search for videos again – high-quality video playlists are customized to your tastes based on mood, ratings and how much time you have. 5by mobile apps are now available in the App Store and on Google Play (beta). 5by was acquired by StumbleUpon in September 2013, but will continue to operate independently led by CEO Greg Isenberg.

About StumbleUpon
StumbleUpon is the easiest way to discover new and interesting things from across the Web. More than 30 million people turn to StumbleUpon to be informed, entertained and surprised by content and information recommended just for them. In addition, more than 100,000 brands, publishers and other marketers have used StumbleUpon's Paid Discovery platform to tell their stories and promote their products and services. Explore more at www.stumbleupon.com.

For media inquiries, please contact Jennifer Spector at [email protected] or 212.539.3299.

SOURCE 5by